Ion-Conductive Polymer Separator for Conductivity and Stability

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing ion exchange membranes face challenges in achieving high ionic conductivity, mechanical strength, and chemical stability, which limits their effectiveness in various applications.

Innovation Solution

An ion conductive polymer is developed with a repeating unit containing a benzene/aryl group bearing an ether group and a quaternary ammonium group bonded via an organic group, allowing for improved ionic conductivity and stability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional ion exchange membranes are used, then basic ion exchange function is provided, but ionic conductivity is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveionic conductivityVSAvoidion transport efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent modifies the chemical structure of the polymer by introducing quaternary ammonium groups with specific chain lengths (C4-C12) and aromatic ether backbones, changing the physical and chemical parameters of the membrane to achieve higher ionic conductivity (40-80 mS/cm) while maintaining structural stability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a composite polymer structure combining aromatic ether backbones with quaternary ammonium side chains, integrating the rigidity and stability of aromatic structures with the ionic conductivity of quaternary ammonium groups to achieve both mechanical strength and high ion transport efficiency

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Reliability

If ion exchange membrane is designed for high ionic conductivity, then ion transport is improved, but mechanical strength may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveionic conductivityVSAvoidmechanical strength

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by having the rigid aromatic ether backbone provide mechanical strength in the main chain while the quaternary ammonium side chains localized on the periphery provide ionic conductivity, allowing different regions of the polymer to fulfill different functional requirements simultaneously

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent segments the polymer structure into distinct functional domains: the aromatic ether backbone segment provides structural integrity and mechanical strength, while the quaternary ammonium side chain segments provide ion conduction pathways, allowing independent optimization of mechanical and conductive properties

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Reliability

If ion exchange membrane is designed for high ionic conductivity, then ion transport is improved, but chemical stability may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveionic conductivityVSAvoidchemical stability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a composite polymer structure combining aromatic ether backbones with quaternary ammonium side chains, integrating the rigidity and stability of aromatic structures with the ionic conductivity of quaternary ammonium groups to achieve both mechanical strength and high ion transport efficiency

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The patent modifies the chemical structure of the polymer by introducing quaternary ammonium groups with specific chain lengths (C4-C12) and aromatic ether backbones, changing the physical and chemical parameters of the membrane to achieve higher ionic conductivity (40-80 mS/cm) while maintaining structural stability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The ion conductive polymer exhibits ionic conductivity ranging from 40 mS/cm to 80 mS/cm, enhancing the performance of separators and membranes in devices such as water electrolysis, CO2 electrolysis, fuel cells, and vanadium flow batteries.

Implementation Method 1

the repeating unit includes a quaternary ammonium group which is bonded to the benzene/aryl ring via an organic group... ionic conductivity may be improved

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectIon conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Implementation Method 2

functional groups having positive or negative charges on pore walls of the membrane attract only specific ions having opposite charges into the pores of the membrane, thereby retaining electrical neutrality

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrostatic attraction: Coulomb's Law

Implementation Method 3

The specific ions that have been bound to the functional groups on the pores of the membrane pass through the membrane by continuously repeating binding to the functional groups on the pores and dissociating therefrom

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectIon exchange: Ion Exchange

Data Source

PatentEP4674880A1Ion conductive polymer and separator including the same

Publication Date: 2026.01.07 SK INNOVATION CO LTD

AI summary

The present disclosure relates to an ion conductive polymer including a repeating unit which includes quaternary ammonium and at least one ether group.